Obituary of Leah E. Whittaker

Princeville – Leah E. Whittaker, 19, of rural Princeville, passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 7:37 a.m. Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Leah battled cancer with strength and courage for the past eight months, living the words of Deuteronomy 31:6.

Leah was born May 6, 1992, in Peoria, the daughter of Dennis and Marcie (Johnson) Whittaker. Her parents survive, along with two sisters, Hannah (Jeffrey) Spencer of Denver, and Sarah Whittaker of Moline; a brother, Josh Whittaker, at home; her maternal grandparents Paul and Wanda Johnson of Farmington, IL; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Marcia and Leland Whittaker.

Leah was a 2010 graduate from Princeville High School lettering in basketball all four years. In addition she also participated in the school plays and was a member of the National Honor Society and FFA. She accepted a basketball scholarship to Indiana Wesleyan University, where she was a freshman. Leah chose Indiana Wesleyan because of her passion to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ with family and sports ministry. Last summer Leah traveled with her basketball team to Alaska to set up sports camps and spread the Gospel message.

Leah greatly valued her family time. Her only difficulty with being so far away at college was knowing that her family was together in Illinois without her. She enjoyed family trips, especially to Minnesota canoeing and camping.

She was raised in the Laura United Methodist Church and later on attended the Brimfield Evangelical Free Church.

The funeral service for Leah will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2011, at Princeville United Methodist Church. Pastors Don Blasing and Marc Brown will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, at the Princeville United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leah Whittaker Benefit Account in care of the Brimfield Bank. The funds will be used to honor Leah’s passion for family and sports ministries.

The family would like to thank Leah’s many life-long friends along with the Indiana Wesleyan women’s basketball team, who have journeyed with her for the past year.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements.

Private condolences may be sent to the family by clicking here.